Dozens of fire engines continued to guard mountain communities in Los Padres National Forest, where they had saved 40 dwellings a day earlier. However, Thursday’s main focus was on digging or reinforcing fire lines directly on the fire’s northwestern edge.

Winds were light but erratic, and lookouts were posted to warn crews in case the fire suddenly changed direction.

“It’s extremely dangerous for them to be in there,” Parker said.

The fire was moving slowly, feeding on dense stands of pine and thickets of chaparral, sumac and manzanita.

The National Weather Service predicted low humidity during afternoon hours through today. That could dry out brush and make it easier for the Day Fire – the fifth-largest wildfire in recorded state history – to make an explosive advance.

“The line will be tested,” said Melody Fountain of the U.S. Forest Service.

But the overall humidity was expected to increase beginning Sunday. Temperatures could drop 20 or more degrees as well, National Weather Service meteorologist Jamie Meier said.

Authorities continued to recommend evacuation of Lockwood Valley and nearby communities, although many people chose to remain.

More than 4,500 firefighters, aided by aircraft, were fighting the blaze, which was burning at elevations up to about 6,000 feet up in the mountains. The fire has only destroyed two barns, two outbuildings, three trailers, an unoccupied cabin and five vehicles.

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